Springtime Special Delivery: FedEx Express to Transport Giant Pandas to
Toronto Zoo
Memphis Zoo Will Take Lead Role in Feeding Canada’s Newest Residents
Business Wire
MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- February 28, 2013
With a reputation for safely delivering precious cargo of all kinds, FedEx
Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX), will rise to the challenge
again this spring, donating its logistical expertise and in-kind
transportation for two giant pandas heading from Chengdu, China to a new home
in Toronto, Canada.
Er Shun is one of two giant pandas that will head from China to Canada.
(Photo: Business Wire)
Er Shun is one of two giant pandas that will head from China to Canada.
(Photo: Business Wire)
FedEx Express will ship Er Shun, a five-year-old female panda, and Da Mao, a
four-year-old male panda, via a dedicated charter flight on an MD-11F aircraft
specially named the “FedEx Panda Express.” Animal care experts from both China
and Canada have been granted special flight privileges to accompany the giant
pandas onboard the aircraft to ensure the animals’ safety and comfort. The
pandas are tentatively scheduled to arrive in Canada in spring 2013, with the
final date of delivery subject to final regulatory approvals.
“These rare animals are beautiful symbols of China and represent the truest
definition of ‘precious cargo’ for the FedEx team,” said Lisa Lisson,
president, FedEx Express Canada. “FedEx Express is honored to use our
logistical expertise to lead the move. This transport highlights our ability
to meet our customers’ distinctive shipping needs, while also solidifying the
FedEx role as a global citizen—connecting the world through our unique network
and specialized areas of expertise.”
A cooperative conservation agreement between Canada and China means Er Shun
and Da Mao will spend five years at the Toronto Zoo, followed immediately by
another five years at the Calgary Zoo. This marks the first time in twenty
years that giant pandas have been loaned to a Canadian zoo, and allows both
zoos to contribute to ongoing international efforts to preserve the species.
Conservationists estimate that just over 2,000 giant pandas remain in the
wild.
“The Toronto Zoo is proud to team with a global company that has participated
in international efforts to conserve this important species," said John
Tracogna, CEO, Toronto Zoo. "This is a strategic collaboration that will
continue to strengthen and grow over the next five years, during the giant
pandas' stay at the Toronto Zoo."
In addition, FedEx is collaborating with the Memphis Zoo to ensure the pandas
have the food necessary for a healthy and plentiful diet. Bamboo harvested
locally by the Memphis Zoo provides food for its own giant pandas, Ya Ya and
Le Le, and will be delivered to the Toronto Zoo via FedEx Express two to three
times per week. The Memphis Zoo will send multiple species of bamboo to
determine which varieties Er Shun and Da Mao prefer to eat. Experts say adult
giant pandas eat an average of 100 pounds of bamboo per day, necessitating the
frequent deliveries.
Memphis Zoo horticulture team members will cut roughly 700 pounds of bamboo
per shipment, mostly from their 10-acre bamboo farm at Memphis’ Agricenter
International, and immediately refrigerate the stalks to keep them fresh.
FedEx will then collect the bamboo, and fly the stalks to Toronto.
“We not only have a successful giant panda program at the Memphis Zoo, but we
also have an abundance of bamboo thanks to the warmer climate,” said Dr. Chuck
Brady, president and CEO of the Memphis Zoo. “Donating our expertise and
resources, with the help of FedEx, reinforces the strength of our new zoo
partnerships, and helps further the ongoing research designed to protect and
breed these endangered animals.”
“FedEx Panda Express” History
The upcoming panda shipment marks the sixth flight of the “FedEx Panda
Express.” Past deliveries of giant pandas include:
*China to Paris, France (2012)
*China to Edinburgh, Scotland (2011)
*Washington, D.C., and Atlanta, Georgia, to China (2010)
*China to Memphis, Tennessee (2003)
*China to Washington, D.C. (2000)
For more details on the upcoming “FedEx Panda Express” delivery and past panda
transports, visit http://blog.van.fedex.com/panda-express.
About the Memphis Zoo
The Memphis Zoo, located in Midtown Memphis, Tennessee, is home to more than
3,500 animals representing over 500 different species. Created in April 1906,
the zoo has been a major tenant of Overton Park in Memphis for more than 100
years.
About the Toronto Zoo
The Toronto Zoo is Canada’s premier zoo, and a leader in animal preservation
and environmental protection. More than a tourist attraction the Toronto Zoo
boasts a number of leading programs for helping animals and their natural
habitats—from species reintroduction to reproductive research. A world-class
educational center for people of all ages, the Toronto Zoo is open every day
except Christmas, and attracts approximately 1.3 million visitors each year.
About FedEx Express
FedEx Express is the world’s largest express transportation company, providing
fast and reliable delivery to more than 220 countries and territories. FedEx
Express uses a global air and ground network to speed delivery of
time-sensitive shipments, by a definite time and date with a money-back
guarantee.
About FedEx Corp.
FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a
broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With
annual revenues of $43 billion, the company offers integrated business
applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed
collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among
the world’s most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than
300,000 team members to remain “absolutely, positively” focused on safety, the
highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers
and communities. For more information, visit news.fedex.com.
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available:
http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20130228005118/en/
Multimedia
Available:http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50579087&lang=en
Contact:
FedEx Global Communications
Parul Bajaj, 901-651-3183
parul.bajaj@fedex.com
or
Memphis Zoo
Abbey Dane, 901-333-6567
adane@memphiszoo.org